POSITION SUMMARY: The Recreation Therapist is responsible for social, recreational, and exercise programming and provides expertise and training to staff on appropriate recreational, social, and exercise techniques to improve the quality of life for older adults.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists in creating and maintaining engaging spaces/environments in the home that support meaningful client activity and participation. Plan and implement creative and innovative program activities that meet client needs and are reflective of client choice and strengths. Develop, plan, promote, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs, which includes special events. Observes, reports and documents as required, any changes in the client's ability to participate in activities, updating plan of care as appropriate. Supports all departments in their efforts to foster client engagement in meaningful ways. Assess the physical, recreational, and social needs of clients, and adapt and adjust programming to meet clients’ needs. Assess and actively encourage client engagement and socialization during programming. Participates in the on-going evaluation and improvement of the recreation program/activities and related quality improvement processes. Safely assist clients who use wheelchairs or who need assistance with transfers by following proper body mechanics and safe transfer techniques. Follow safe procedures and help provide a safe, clean environment for clients, self and other staff including following Infection Prevention and Control and Cleaning and Disinfecting procedures. Maintain all records/documentation requirements. Participate in program evaluation, risk management and quality improvement initiatives. Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Post secondary education in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation or other related field from a community college or university or equivalent experience and education in related field Minimum two (2) years of experience preferred Knowledge of dementia and skill in problem solving and providing a gentle persuasive approach to care. Experience in developing and facilitating group and 1:1 programming for older adults Experience working with older adults, persons with cognitive and / or behavioural considerations or complex health conditions. Familiarity with community resources and demonstrated ability to work well with community partners Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of an interprofessional team Ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility and to work as part of a team. Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Standard First Aid and CPR Certificate is required Knowledge of legislative requirements including the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and Human Rights is an asset Food Handler’s Certificate an asset. Satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Screen

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: Must have the physical capabilities which are compatible with walking short/long distances, walking bend/kneel/push/pull/lift/re-arrange furniture and activity equipment up to 50lbs. Some assistance with client transfers may be required while adhering to proper body mechanics and safe transfer techniques. Safely assisting clients who use mobility aids/devices including walkers, wheelchairs Ability to perform physical requirements of the job This will be a hybrid position - candidate must have access to a vehicle to travel from head office to sites.

Pay: CA$52,000.00 - CA$70,000.00 per year - current vacancy

CANES Community Care is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and strive to attract, develop, and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require any accommodations, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.